4-star recaps visit to UGA

After missing out on UGA’s “Dawg Night” prospect camp in July, 4-star cornerback William Poole got the chance to journey back to Athens on Friday, and it was worth the return.

“The visit was great,” Poole told the AJC. “I got to talk with the staff and watch practice, and it was more of a learning experience than just having fun.”

Poole, one of the state’s top prospects in 2017, was accompanied on his visit by his father, William, Jr., and fellow Hapeville Charter teammate Elwood Smith. Poole tells the AJC that he had the chance to speak extensively with defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt and director of player personnel Sam Petitto.

“Petitto was walking me through everything they were doing, giving me pointers,” Poole said. “That’s what I enjoyed most about the visit — learning the defense.”

The rising junior says he made up for missed time by watching practice and breaking down the defense with both Pruitt and Petitto. He says he even picked up a few positional techniques along the way that he hopes to incorporate back at Hapeville Charter.

William Poole (Kipp Adams/247 Sports)

Poole told the AJC less than a week ago that UGA envisions him playing multiple positions, including both safety and nickel corner, which he says he’s comfortable doing.

The question is, can he play under Pruitt’s direction?

“He was telling me that if you’re sensitive, you can’t play for him,” Poole jokingly admits. “He will push his guys to their limits to help them reach their full potential. That stuck out to me because that’s what I look for in a coach. That attracted me.”

The 6-foot, 170-pound cornerback has taken visits to Clemson, Alabama and Auburn this summer and is currently ranked as the No. 11 cornerback in the country. According to 247Sports’ Crystal Ball predictions, Poole is slated to commit to UGA (75 percent) when it’s all said and done.

And after Friday’s conversation, all indications point towards Poole considering the Bulldogs when his decision day nears.

“I still have no leader, but UGA will always have a good chance of sealing me.”

Friday’s visit marked his last of the summer, but Poole tells the AJC that he’ll likely attend a few games this fall.